King Charles has declared that the United States lies at "the heart" of Nato, delivering what is widely seen as a subtle rebuke to President Donald Trump's repeated threats to withdraw from the defensive alliance. In a historic address to the US Congress, the King announced that the UK government has committed to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, directly addressing Trump's claims that the US has been disproportionately supporting Europe and Nato militarily.
Defence of Ukraine
The King referenced the 11 September 2001 attacks, when Nato's Article 5 was invoked for the first time, to underscore the need to defend Ukraine. "That same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people – in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace," he said, drawing applause from lawmakers.
Historic Ties Between UK and US
During his four-day visit with Queen Camilla, aimed at smoothing UK-US relations, the King stressed the enduring bond between the two nations. "From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of Nato, pledged to each other's defence, protecting our citizens and interests," he stated. He described the partnership as "one of the greatest alliances in human history" and emphasised that it "is more important today than it has ever been."
Reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the King noted: "The very principle on which your Congress was founded – no taxation without representation – was at once a fundamental disagreement between us, and at the same time a shared democratic value which you inherited from us. Ours is a partnership born out of dispute, but no less strong for it."
Response to White House Shooting
The King also addressed the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where a suspected lone gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly fired shots targeting the Trump administration. "Whatever our differences, whatever disagreements we may have, we stand united in our commitment to uphold democracy, to protect all our people from harm, and to salute the courage of those who daily risk their lives in the service of our countries," he said.
Climate and Shared Values
Turning to the climate crisis, the King urged action: "As we look toward the next 250 years, we must also reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard Nature, our most precious and irreplaceable asset." He warned that "the collapse of critical natural systems threatens far more than the harmony and essential diversity of Nature."
Earlier, President Trump acknowledged the UK as America's closest friend. Speaking at the White House, he said: "In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British." He paid tribute to the "special relationship" forged after World War II, calling it "the essence of our special relationship." Trump also referenced Winston Churchill, calling him "Britain's greatest prime minister," in a pointed contrast to his criticism of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the UK's stance on Iran and other policies.
